Lindley was named the starter by head coach Bruce Arians on Monday, after Drew Stanton sustained Grade 2 ACL and MCL sprains during Thursday night's win over the St. Louis Rams.

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Lindley replaced Stanton in that game, completing 4-of-10 passes for 30 yards in his first game action since 2012.

"He's a really cerebral young man, he's been in the league for over three [years] and he works hard, extremely hard in the offseason," Fitzgerald said. "We actually train together, and he's a student of the game, really focused. ... We really believe in Ryan, he can make all the throws. We just got to protect him, make some plays for him outside, run the ball. We're going to be just fine."

The 25-year-old Lindley will be the third starting quarterback for Arizona this season. Quarterback Carson Palmer was lost for the season early last month after he sustained a torn ACL.

In six games as a rookie in 2012, Lindley threw for 752 yards, zero touchdowns and seven interceptions. He last started a game on Dec. 23, 2012.